Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai
Mumbai, May 9: In light of the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is set to chair a high-level security review meeting on Friday evening at his official residence, Varsha Bungalow, in Mumbai.
As per ANI reports, top police officials and senior administrative functionaries will be present at the crucial meeting, which aims to evaluate and enhance the state's preparedness amid rising cross-border threats. The move follows increased military activities and reports of intercepted drones along India's western front.
A similar high-alert protocol was observed in Rajasthan, where Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma convened a security review with senior officials, particularly to fortify arrangements in the border districts. He ordered heightened vigilance and instructed authorities to remain on standby. As a precautionary measure, all government employee leaves were cancelled with immediate effect.
Amid the heightened alert, reports have emerged of Pakistani drones being intercepted by Indian air defence systems in Jaisalmer. Additionally, residents from regions including Bikaner, Punjab, Akhnoor, Samba, Jammu, Amritsar, and Jalandhar reported hearing loud explosions and witnessing bright flashes in the skies. Temporary blackouts were also enforced across multiple districts to mitigate any threats.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot urged citizens to remain calm and united in these trying times.
"I appeal to people not to panic. Our armed forces are capable of dealing with any aggression. Let’s stand united, cutting across political lines. India’s strength lies in its unity," Gehlot said in a statement.
The recent military escalation stems from India’s precision missile strikes under Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist strongholds across the Line of Control, including Bahawalpur and Muridke — believed to be bases of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. These actions were a direct response to the brutal attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.
In Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district, the Border Security Force (BSF) foiled a major infiltration attempt along the International Border, reinforcing India’s continued commitment to border security amid ongoing hostilities.
Authorities across northern India remain on high alert, with security being stepped up in vulnerable areas to prevent any untoward incidents as tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours continue to simmer.